Green Backyard Christmas Fayre. Dec 4th 2016
An early start today. To the Olive Branch first to load some of our wares only to find Simon, Barbara and Robbie frantically attempting to organise the 17 helpers that had showed up but were struggling for enough tools to go around. Simon had, once again got the gates open and was on hand to co-ordinate, but wasn’t expecting so many, so called in reinforcements Robbie and Barbara. All three are extremely passionate about the Olive Branch and have dedicated many, many hours to the cause and their efforts are recognised and valued by all.
We need more garden tools if you`re reading this, so anything you have that isn`t past its use by date would be warmly received and greatly appreciated!
These particular wares were the work of one of our volunteers, Brian. Brian`s an easy going, easy to please chap. In fact, all you need to say is the word chainsaw and a glint appears in his eye. His toadstools are gaining wide repute, often selling out at events with extra ordered, and his log Santa heads put a smile on every face that see them. This year Brian added yet another offering to his armoury. Log Reindeer, complete with red noses, antlers the whole nine yards!. To say they looked fantastic would be an understatement. Brian is a long serving supporter and current committee member of the Olive that has raised a significant amount over the years. Thanks again for your service to our community, Brian. We appreciate you more than we perhaps say.
From the Olive it was on to Vikki who had generously donated time and resources to creating some magical Christmas items to add to our sale. Vikki was still going when we arrived, determined to get one more done! So determined is Vikki she informed us she`d actually fallen asleep deep into the early hours whilst volunteering her wonderful creativity to the Olive cause and we are blessed to have her talents in our corner. Thank you Vikki.
Upon arrival at GBY we were met by many smiling helpers. Stuart, Tamsin, Jen, Clare etc wielding wheelbarrows to cart our goodies through the garden to our pitch. A lovely lady named Sam assisted with carrying some of our bags and informed me she was only visiting with a friend that day and had to rush off at the end to catch a train home which wouldn`t arrive until around 10pm! It`s something I love dearly that these spaces attract such kindred spirits. Hope you had a pleasant journey home Sam. I must also remember Anna and Roy of the Peterborough Beekeepers for bathing us in extraordinary positivity, and again thank them both for assisting in moving our entire set up out of the shade and into the beautiful sunshine once more as the sun moved along it`s way through the day. Thanks to all.
The GBY looked and felt like a truly vibrant and diverse market, so many stalls were present, and soon the visitors started to flow through. Tessa and myself collared everyone we could and went full steam into promoting the Olive and trying to convince everyone they needed to purchase our offerings, and also visit with us at our own Christmas Fayre on Saturday 17th where they can meet our local celebrity Santa. I`m itching to spill, but promised I wouldn`t so you`ll just have to come see for yourself. We also managed to get around to all the stalls with leaflets we`d printed, and we managed to attract confirmations of new stalls for the 17th too. Thank you for everything, Tessa.
Sincere thanks to Lauren at GBY for inviting us to share a great day with friends, old and new mixing together in happy harmony. I giggled every time I saw her walk by saying "en route" into a walkie-talkie, she just doesn`t stop. Rene was turning up everywhere, Rich made for a dashing green Santa, Grace roasted delicious chestnuts and Sophie was found manning the bar, although she did let the burner go out under the mulled cider so I`m not certain she sold more than she drank…just kidding! You`re awesome Sophie. We thank you for all your help and support, in fact we thank all at GBY for their valued friendship and support. To visit GBY simply click on their logo above.
All in all, we raised £63.60 (and a promise for £15 for a toadstool)
Attention now turns fully to preparations for the 17th! Don`t forget, 11-3pm with entry by silver donation to bring the children to see Santa in his Olive Grotto! Free stalls are available to sellers (feel free to request a stall via the contact page for full details), and we`ll be having BBQ etc and a tonne of fun. Look forward to seeing you all there.
